Athletic shoe protector

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an athletic shoe protector for protecting and preserving the spikes on athletic shoes and further protects surfaces off of the playing field or track from being damaged by the spikes. The athletic shoe protector of the invention comprises a single-layer sole that is quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the spiked athletic shoe via an attaching means.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US17/53210, which designated the United States and was filed on Sep.25, 2017, published in English, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/399,665, filed on Sep. 26, 2016. Theentire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a variety of sports such as track and field, baseball, football,soccer, rugby, lacrosse and golf, to name a few, athletic shoes areprovided with cleats, lugs, pins or spikes and the like (collectivelyreferred to herein as “spikes”) extending downwardly from the bottom ofthe soles. Spikes were previously made of metal, but now are morecommonly made of hard plastic. These spikes provide the user withadditional traction on sport fields and tracks. However, the spikes canbe damaged by walking on abrasive and hard surfaces such as those foundwhen the athlete is off the track or playing field.

To prevent this, athletes that run track and field, for example, willwalk around on the heels of their spiked running shoes after runningtheir race and leaving the track surface. This then causes excessivewear to the heels of the spiked running shoes as well as placing theathlete's feet and legs in an unnatural position while attempting topreserve the spikes on the bottom of their athletic shoes.

While many athletes will bring different shoes to the track or playingfield to change into for those times that the athlete is not actually onthe field or track, it is not always convenient for the player to changeshoes immediately upon leaving the track or playing field. For example,for those athletes who wear spiked athletic shoes for track and field,removing the spiked running shoes directly after a race or between meetsis very time consuming due to the substantial time it initially takes toplace the tight-fitting running shoes on the athlete's foot and adjustthem for maximum running comfort and speed.

Various designs for shoe protectors intended to protect spikes as wellas the various surfaces upon which the spikes may come into contact whennot on the track or playing field such as floors and rugs are known.However, these prior designs tend to be bulky and time consuming for theathlete to put on and remove. It would be desirable to have an athleticshoe protector that is slim, lightweight and that the athlete may easilycarry them to the track or playing field and quickly and easily place onover their spiked athletic shoes and likewise, quickly removed fromtheir athletic shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an athletic shoe protector for protecting andpreserving the spikes on athletic shoes and further protects surfacesoff of the playing field or track from being damaged by the spikes. Theathletic shoe protector of the invention comprises a single-layer solethat is quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the spikedathletic shoe via an attaching means.

In accordance with the invention, the single-layer sole is made of asingle layer of material preferably of having the same general shape asthe sole of the athletic shoe it will be attached to. The single layersole is substantially planer in that the term “substantially” allows fora thickened area such as a heel or some other variation from a literallyplanar surface that is integral with the single layer sole. As usedherein the phrase “integral with the single layer sole” means that thereis not an additional layer of material. The single layer of material ispreferably a “uniform” single layer of material, for example, having thesame composition, density, resilience, and elasticity throughout. Thus,a sole made entirely of rubber but wherein the top surface of the soleis configured to be softer and more pliable and the bottom surface ofthe sole is relatively harder is not “uniform” as that term is intendedherein. The thickness of the single layer sole defines a peripheralsidewall between the top surface of the sole and the bottom surface ofthe sole.

While the single-layer sole is generally planar, it is thick enough toreceive the spikes of the athletic shoe such that the spikes do notprotrude from the bottom of the single-layer sole. Preferably, thesingle-layer sole does not include pre-formed perforations for receivingspikes or any other preformed grooves or indentations on the top portionof the sole that is in contact with athletic shoe. The material of thesingle-layer sole is such that it permits the spikes to be embedded intothe top surface of the sole at any location on the sole therebyproviding a friction fit between the athletic shoe and the single-layersole while providing traction and wear-resistance on the bottom surfaceof the sole.

The single-layer sole need not be coextensive with the sole of theathletic shoe on which hit is being worn, but is preferably of a sizeand shape to provide stability to the wearer over the spiked athleticshoes. The top surface of the sole closest to the wearer's foot ispreferably not partially or entirely enclosed with any material thatextends above the sole and/or over the athletic shoe except for theareas where the attachments secure the single-layer sole to the athleticshoe. The single-layer sole preferably does not include a rim orshoulder of any material extending up from the single-layer sole. Thesingle-layer sole preferably does include, for example a heel cupextending upward from the sole to secure the heel.

The single layer of material of the sole is deformable enough to receivethe spikes of the athlete's athletic shoe thereby providing a frictionfit with the single-layer sole on the top surface of the single-layersole that contacts the sole of the spiked athletic shoes. At the sametime, the single layer of material of the single-layer sole alsoprovides the athlete with traction and some degree of wear and weatherresistance on the bottom surface of the single-layered sole that is indirect contact with the ground.

The single-layer sole is preferably of a thickness and strength suchthat when the spiked athletic shoes are being worn with the single layersole, they do not protrude from the bottom surface of the single layersole. The bottom surface of the single-layer sole that is in contactwith the ground may be completely flat or include a spike-free bottomsurface traction design for promoting traction integrally formed withthe single-layer sole and that do not include the addition of anotherlayer of material.

The single-layer sole may include areas wherein the single layer ofmaterial is thicker than at other portions of the single-layer sole soas to provide, for example, a built in orthotic such as a pronationlimiting heel for those athletes who need extra support at all times.Alternatively, “off the shelf” or customized orthopedic inserts may beoptionally attached via gluing for example to the top surface of thesingle layer sole to also provide added support for those athletes whoneed extra support at all times.

Additionally, a removable insole may be placed on the single-layer soleessentially converting the athletic shoe protector into a sandal thatmay be worn by the athlete in the absence of an athletic shoe. Removableinsoles include, for example, DR. SCHOLL'S® massaging gel insoles. Thus,the athlete need only carry the removable insole to the track or playingfield instead of a second pair of shoes and thereby use the shoeprotector of the invention in combination with the athletic shoe toprotect the spikes of the athletic shoe and/or in combination with theremovable insole and the athlete's shoeless foot as a sandal.

There are a number of lightweight high-tech materials from which asingle layer outsole may be constructed that are both deformable andwear resistant at the same time. For example, various synthetic plasticfoams, blended foams such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethanefoams (PU), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),vinyl, nylon, PHYLON (which is a “twice foamed” EVA product), rubber,thermoplastic rubber (TPR), carbon rubber, blown rubber, crepe rubber,foamed rubber or any composite materials such as fiber reinforcedcomposite material. Other useful lightweight composite materialscomprise KEVLAR and leather/canvas composite materials.

The attaching means may be any means for securing the single-layer soleto the wearer's spiked athletic shoes. Preferably, the attaching meansdoes not add bulk or weight to the single layer sole.

Preferably, in a first embodiment, the attaching means comprises atleast one pair of corresponding straps attached to the peripheralsidewall of the single-layer sole on opposite sides of the sole in thegeneral area of the wearer's instep such that straps may overlie eachother and/or be secured together over the athletic shoe via a hook andloop closure, snaps, buckles, magnets or other known means for quicklyjoining and detaching the corresponding straps to provide adjustabilityof tightness and appropriate position over different sized and shapedathletic shoes. For example, the straps are joined to form a singlestrap that extends over the athletic shoe in the general area of theinstep portion of the athletic shoe. Preferably a second pair of strapsis attached to the single layer sole on opposite sides of the sole suchthat the pair of straps may be secured together via a hook and loopclosure for example, over the athletic shoe in the general area of theball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe. The pair of straps may besecured to the single-layer sole via the use of an adhesive, stitchingor other means. Preferably the straps are, for example, nylon strapswhich are secured together by hoop and look fasteners and optionallyinclude keepers that are sewn or otherwise attached to the straps tosecure any leftover ends of the straps and hold the excess strap inplace.

Preferably, in a second embodiment, the attaching means comprises twopairs of single strap and D-ring combinations comprising a first singlestrap attached to, for example, the peripheral sidewall of thesingle-layer sole in the general area of the athletic shoe's instepportion. On the opposite side of the sole, a first D-ring is attachedto, for example, the peripheral sidewall of the sole in the general areaof the athletic shoe's instep portion. The first single strap is longenough to extend over the instep portion of the athletic shoe, throughthe first D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itself where itis capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the instep portionof the athletic shoe and wherein it may be secured to itself for examplevia a hook and loop closure. Preferably a second single strap incombination with a second D-ring is configured the same way but in thegeneral area of the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoewherein the second single strap is secured on one side of the sole forexample, to the peripheral wall of the sole, and the second D-ring isconfigured on the opposite side of the sole, for example, to theperipheral wall of the sole and wherein the second single strap is longenough to extend over the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe,through the second D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itselfwhere it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the ball ofthe foot portion of the athletic shoe, and where it may be secured toitself for example via hook and loop closure.

Preferably, the first and second single straps and first and secondD-rings may be secured to the single-layer sole, for example to theperipheral sidewall of the sole, via the use of an adhesive, stitchingor other means. Preferably the straps are, for example, nylon strapscomprising hook and loop material configures along the length of thenylon strap such that the strap may be threaded through the appropriateD-ring and doubled back on itself, adjusted for maximum fit and securedto itself via the hook and loop material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a spiked athletic shoe andsingle-layer sole in combination with a portion of the single-layer solebroken away illustrating the studs embedding into the single layer ofmaterial of the sole.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the single-layer soleshowing a first embodiment for configuring the straps that secure thesingle-layer sole to the athletic shoe of the wearer.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the athletic shoe protector.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the single-layer soleshowing a second embodiment for configuring the straps that secure thesingle-layer sole to the athletic shoe of the wearer.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the athletic shoe protector showing a secondembodiment for configuring the straps that secure the single-layer soleto the athletic shoe of the wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 3, the athletic shoe protector 1 comprises a singlelayer sole 2 having a top surface 3, and a bottom surface 4. As shown inFIG. 1, the single-layer sole 2 extends substantially to the toe portion5 of the athletic shoe 6, and to the heel portion 7 of the athletic shoe6. A plurality of spikes 8 are illustrating projecting from the athleticshoe 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, attaching means comprise a first pair of straps 9comprising two strap members 10, 11 are each attached to thesingle-layer sole 2 at the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of the singlelayer sole. The free end for each strap member has a hook and loopelement 15, 16 allowing the free ends of the strap members 10, 11 to bejoined together over the instep portion 17 of the athletic shoe 6 asshown in FIG. 1. Continuing with FIG. 1, a second pair of straps 12 isconfigured in the same manner as the first pair of straps 9 and strapelements 13, 14 are joined over the ball of the foot portion 5 of theathletic shoe 6.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, keepers 18, 19 are attached to strap members11, 14 to secure any excess strap that may be remaining after adjustingthe athletic shoe protector 1 over the athletic shoe 6 (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the attaching means comprises a firstsingle strap 30 attached to the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of thesingle-layer sole 2 in the general area of the instep portion 31 of theathletic shoe 38. On the opposite side of the sole 2, a first D-ring 32is attached to the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of the sole in thegeneral area of the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38. The firstsingle strap 30 is long enough to extend over the instep portion 31 ofthe athletic shoe 38, through the first D-ring 32 on the opposite sideto double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted tosecurely fit across the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38 andwherein it may be secured to itself for example via a hook and loopclosure 33. Preferably a second single strap 34 in combination with asecond D-ring 35 is configured the same way but in the general area ofthe ball of the foot portion 36 of the athletic shoe 38 wherein thesecond single strap 34 is secured on one side of the peripheral wall 21(FIG. 1) and the second D-ring 35 is configured on the opposite side andwherein the second single strap 34 is long enough to extend over theball of the foot portion 36 of the athletic shoe 38, through the secondD-ring 34 on the opposite side to double back on itself where it iscapable of being adjusted to securely fit across the ball of the footportion 36 of the athletic shoe 38, and where it may be secured toitself for example via hook and loop closure 37.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the bottom surface 4 of the single-layersole 2 may include a spike free bottom surface traction design 20 formedintegrally with the single-layer sole 2.

The patent and scientific literature referred to herein establishes theknowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. All UnitedStates patents and published or unpublished United States patentapplications cited herein are incorporated by reference. All publishedforeign patents and patent applications cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference. All other published references, documents,manuscripts and scientific literature cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and thatfeatures from the various embodiments may be combined in whole or inpart in accordance with the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An athletic shoe protector for protecting spikesprotruding downwardly from the bottom of an athletic shoe consisting of:a single-layer sole that is constructed from a single, uniform layer ofmaterial, wherein the single-layer sole is substantially planar and hasa top surface and a bottom surface and the thickness of the single-layersole defines a peripheral sidewall between the top surface and thebottom surface of the single-layer sole, wherein the single layer ofmaterial is deformable such that it permits the spikes to be embeddedinto the top surface, wherein the single layer of material comprises athickness that does not permit the spikes to protrude through the bottomsurface of the single-layer sole, optionally wherein the bottom surfacecomprises a spike-free bottom surface traction design; and means forattaching the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe, wherein theattachment means comprises two pairs of single strap and D-ringcombinations comprising a first single strap attached to thesingle-layer sole in the general area of the athletic shoe's instepportion wherein on the opposite side of the sole, a first D-ring isattached to the sole in the general area of the instep portion of theathletic shoe wherein the first single strap is long enough to extendover the instep portion of the athletic shoe, through the D-ring on theopposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of beingadjusted to securely fit across the instep portion of the athletic shoeand wherein it is secured to itself, wherein a second single strap issecured on one side of the sole and wherein a second D-ring isconfigured on the opposite side of the sole and wherein the secondsingle strap is long enough to extend over the ball of the foot portionof the athletic shoe, through the second D-ring on the opposite side todouble back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securelyfit across the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, andwherein it is secured to itself.
 2. The athletic shoe protector of claim1, wherein the first single strap is secured to itself via hook and loopmaterial and wherein the second single strap is secured to itself viahook and loop material.
 3. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1,wherein the first and second single straps and the first and secondD-rings are attached to the peripheral sidewall of the single-layersole.
 4. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprisingorthopedic inserts on the top surface of the single-layer sole.
 5. Theathletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a removableinsole placed on top of the single layer sole thereby converting theathletic shoe protector into a sandal.
 6. An athletic shoe protector forprotecting spikes protruding downwardly from the bottom of an athleticshoe consisting of: a single-layer sole that is constructed from asingle, uniform layer of material, wherein the single-layer sole issubstantially planar and has a top surface and a bottom surface, whereinthe single layer of material is deformable such that it permits thespikes to be embedded into the top surface, wherein the single layer ofmaterial comprises a thickness that does not permit the spikes toprotrude through the bottom surface of the single-layer sole, optionallywherein the bottom surface comprises a spike-free bottom surfacetraction design; and means for attaching the single-layer sole to theathletic shoe, wherein the attachments means is a first pair of strapsand a second pair of straps wherein the first pair of straps consists oftwo strap members wherein each strap member is secured to thesingle-layer sole, wherein the two strap members are capable of beingjoined together to form a single strap across the instep portion of theathletic shoe thereby securing the sole to the athletic shoe, whereinthe second pair of straps consists of two strap members wherein eachstrap member is secured to the single-layer sole, wherein the two strapmembers are capable of being joined together to form a single strapacross the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, wherein thefirst and second pair of straps optionally further include a keeper forsecuring excess strap after securing the athletic shoe protector to theathletic shoe thereby securing the sole to the athletic shoe.
 7. Theathletic shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the two strap members of thefirst pair of straps and the second pair of straps are joined togetherby a hook and loop material, snaps or magnets.
 8. The athletic shoeprotector of claim 1, wherein the two strap members of the first pair ofstraps and the second pair of straps are attached to the peripheralsidewall of the single-layer sole.
 9. The athletic shoe protector ofclaim 1, further comprising orthopedic inserts on the top surface of thesingle-layer sole.
 10. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, furthercomprising a removable insole placed on top of the single layer solethereby converting the athletic shoe protector into a sandal.